The city of Cold Lake has secured contracts to handle curbside and depot recycling collection and processing services for residential single-use products, packaging, and paper.
The contracts are part of Alberta’s Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) Regulations, which took effect in November 2023 and moves the cost of recycling programs from municipalities to producers.
The city successfully bid to run the local program on behalf of producers, who are represented by the not-for-profit organization Circular Materials. “We are proud to have won this first phase of the contract as it signals that the city is running an efficient and cost-effective operation,” said Mayor Craig Copeland. “A big thanks goes out to the staff who provide the service and who helped put the bid together. Winning the confidence of private industry is a strong sign of support for the city’s operation.”
The agreement is part of Phase I of the EPR program, which runs until September 30, 2026. The city is now preparing a bid for Phase II, which begins October 1, 2026. Officials have confirmed that there will be no changes to residents’ utility bills.Â
Under the EPR program, Cold Lake will continue to oversee curbside collection, depot locations, its Material Recovery Facility, and community education efforts. The city will also remain the main point of contact for customer service, with support from Circular Materials.
More information about the program and local utility services can be found on the city of Cold Lake website.
